The students didn’t mind taking a little time away from academics to spoon up ice cream sundaes with multiple toppings Thursday afternoon.

The treats provided to the kids of the Joseph Case High School ARCH program were supplied by Swansea Target and served up by store associates.

The ARCH program, which stands for Autism Roadway through Case High, was celebrating its fourth year in existence. But, the program hasn’t merely existed, it’s been growing year after year.

“We’re up to 12 students,” said Julie Garell, assistant director of Student Services for the district. “Next year, we’ll have 16. It’s growing by three or four per year.”

The ARCH program has expanded to include kids with special needs other than autism. Garell said it is offered to students with intellectual disabilities and health disabilities. They can be educated to age 22.

The program started with five students in 2010 as a way to bring Swansea kids with autism back into the district for their high school education. Previously, they went to other schools that could address their individual needs.

“It’s been a wonderful addition to the Case High community,” said Case High School Principal Brian McCann. “They’re able to complete their education in their home town with children they grew up with.”

For students with autism and some other disabilities, learning in a traditional classroom can be difficult and even frustrating.

The ARCH program instructs the kids in a way that helps them to learn more productively. Sometimes, that means taking sensory breaks. The kids have lots of structured activities and outings, and are very often out in the community.

“We want to help them be involved in the community,” Garell said.

This year, they’ll be learning real life skills, such as cooking, folding laundry, making beds, and

brushing teeth. They will be helping out at Simcock Farm, the Quality Inn, Swansea Animal Shelter, the Council on Aging and the Public Library,

“We need to push the envelope,” Garell said. “When these students leave, they’re going to have a lot of skills they didn’t have before.”

The program has been successful. The kids have participated in drama and sports, and last year, an ARCH student was crowned prom king.

Nicole Pereira, 17, will be graduating from Case in 2014.

“I like it a lot,” Pereira said. “It’s all good.”

Samantha Pereira said her daughter Nicole was previously in regular classes, but needed the extra support.